Music search system, music search method, music search program and recording medium recording music search program

ABSTRACT

There is provided a music search device, a music search method, a music search program, and a recording medium having the music search program recorded on it, which enable to search a song other than that is currently reproduced while the user himself or herself processes the song that is currently reproduced and confirms a degree of process with his or her own ears. 
     There is included a memory means for relating a music to a characteristic of the music and memorizing the music and the characteristics; a reproduction means for reproducing the music; a process means for processing the characteristic of the music thus reproduced by the reproduction means based on an instruction of a manipulation input; a characteristic detection means for detecting the characteristic of the music thus processed; and a search means for searching the music thus memorized by the memory means based on the characteristic of the music thus detected.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention belongs to the field of a music search system.

2. Discussion of Related Art

Recently, a tendency that capacity of recording medium including HD(Hard Disc) as a large-capacity memory medium, a semiconductor memorysuch as a flash memory, and a recording medium such as an optical discbecomes large is increasingly outstanding.

Particularly, the semiconductor memory is rapidly penetrating into themarket as a so-called semiconductor audio. This is because portabilityof the semiconductor memory is excellent and demand for listening with asemiconductor audio becomes very high. Further, a feature of small sizeand large capacity advances in HDs and an HD drive with excellentportability is being supplied in the market. In such cases, usersmemorize music of thousands or tens of thousands in large capacityrecording media such as a semiconductor memory and an HD, search, andthen listen to the music which the users desire to listen to. In a casewhere the users search the music desired by the users among these manymusic compositions that are recorded in a large capacity recordingmedium, the users can search music compositions based on musicinformation including an artist name, an album name, and a music name.It has not been easy to sequentially play music suitable for users'tastes, because it is required to specify a music composition frominformation such as an artist name, based on users' knowledge of music.As a method to solve the problem, it has been generally practiced tosearch music based on music impressions such as a pleasant music and asad music (e.g. refer to the below-mentioned Patent Document 1).

Further, there include a method of selecting music that matches a melodyhummed by the users, a method of selecting music that matches lyricshummed by the users, and a method of selecting music that matches rhythminputted by the users. (For example, vide the below-mentioned PatentDocument 2.) However, it is not easy by this method to select the musicthe users desire to select.

Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. H10-134549Patent Document 2: Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. H6-290574

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

However, according to the above-mentioned method of searching musicbased on music impression and the like, there is no music continuityeven by continuous reproduction because of no connection by musiccharacteristics. Further, users have only passively listened to suppliedmusic.

Further, in the above-mentioned search method, there is a problem thatthe music is selected regardless of whether or not the music is suitablefor the sense the users currently have because the music the usersdesire to listen to is required to be specified based on the users'knowledge on the music.

Therefore, an example of the object of the present invention is toprovide a music search system, a music search method, a music searchprogram, and a recording medium recording the music search programwherein the users themselves process the current music, and search theother music suitable for users' taste while confirming the processdegree by their own ear.

There is provided a music search system according to claim 1 of thepresent invention, including:

a memory means for relating music to a characteristic of the music andmemorizing these;

a reproduction means for reproducing the music;

a process means for processing the characteristic of the music thusreproduced by the reproduction means based on an instruction of amanipulation input;

a characteristic detection means for detecting the characteristic of themusic thus processed; and

a search means for searching the music thus memorized by the memorymeans based on the characteristic of the music thus detected.

There is provided a music search method according to claim 6 of thepresent invention, including:

a memory step of relating music to a characteristic of the music andmemorizing the music and the characteristic;

a reproduction step of reproducing the music;

a process step of processing the characteristic of the music thusreproduced in the reproduction step based on an instruction bymanipulation input;

a characteristic detection step of detecting the characteristic of themusic thus processed; and

a search step of searching the music thus memorized in the memory stepbased on the characteristic of the music thus detected.

A music search program according to claim 7 causes a computer includedin a music search system to function as:

a memory means for relating music to a characteristic of the music andmemorizing the music and the characteristic;

a reproduction means for reproducing the music;

a process means for processing the characteristic of the music thusreproduced by the reproduction means based on an instruction by amanipulation input;

a characteristic detection means for detecting the characteristic of themusic thus processed; and

a search means for searching the music thus memorized by the memorymeans based on the characteristic of the music thus detected.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a musicsearch system of an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an operation of a first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a configuration of a second embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a table showing an example of clustering a BPM value accordingto the present embodiment.

Explanation of Numerical References

1: Music characteristic detection clustering unit;

2: Music characteristic database unit;

3: Music database unit;

4: Input unit;

5: Music process unit; and

6: Music characteristic detection unit

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described inreference of drawings.

Here, FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of an overallconfiguration of a music search system according to respectiveembodiments. FIG. 2 is a view of flowchart showing an operationaccording to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a view of flowchart showingan operation according to the second embodiment.

In the present invention, music resembling characteristics of musiccurrently reproduced by users is searched and reproduced. The usersthemselves provide some change to the music they are currently listeningto. Then the users listen to the music provided with change and judgewhether or not the music tune is desired one. After they themselvesconfirm the music tune becomes their desired one, they search the othermusic to fit their desired music tune and reproduce the other music.

In the first embodiment, an embodiment wherein beats per unit time (BPM:beats per minutes) is featured as music characteristics is described. Ina music search system, the users change BPM of the music they arecurrently listening to and search music corresponding to their desiredBPM, so that they can listen to the music corresponding to their desiredBPM.

In the second embodiment, an embodiment that a frequency balance isfeatured as music characteristic is described. In a music search system,the users change frequency balance they are currently listening to andconfirm the frequency balance they desire by listening to the music withits frequency balance balanced. Subsequently, the users search musiccorresponding to the changed frequency balance so that they can listento their desired music.

The frequency balance shows distribution in a frequency region of amusic signal level value with respect to every frequency regionpredetermined.

First, overall configuration of music search system according torespective embodiments is described with reference to FIG. 1.

The music search system S according to respective embodiments isconfigured by a music characteristic detection clustering unit 1, amusic characteristic database unit 2, a music database unit 3, an inputunit 4, a music process unit 5, and a music characteristic detectionunit 6.

As shown in FIG. 1, music information as a sound signal including a CDreproduction signal as an input signal Si, a DVD reproduction signal oran analog record reproduction signal is inputted in the musiccharacteristic detection clustering unit 1.

The music characteristic detection clustering unit 1 extracts an amountof the music characteristic from the input signal Si after acquiringthese input signals Si. BPM and frequency balance are cited as the musiccharacteristic amount.

An action of extracting BPM includes an action of clustering asdescribed below, in addition to taking BPM value of the inputted musicas a music characteristic amount as-is.

For example, BPM value is divided by 20 to carry out the clusteringprocess. Specifically, BPM value of less than 80 is set up to be BPMclass 0, BPM value of over 80 to less than 100 is set up to be BPM class1, BPM value of 100 to less than 120 is set up to be BPM class 2, BPMvalue of over 120 to less than 140 is set up to be BPM class 3, BPMvalue of over 140 to less than 160 is set up to be BPM class 4, BPMvalue of over 160 to less than 180 is set up to be BPM class 5, and BPMvalue of over 180 is set up to be BPM class 6 to cluster the extractedmusic.

An example of a relation between the BPM class and the BPM value thatare thus clustered is shown in FIG. 4.

Specifically, in a case of an extracted music BPM value of 110, theextracted music is clustered as BPM class 2. In a case of an extractedmusic BPM value of 150, the extracted music is clustered as BPM class 4.These clustered BPM classes are outputted to a music characteristicdatabase unit 2 in correspondence with music data.

Next a frequency balance is described.

The frequency region is divided into high-frequency region,middle-frequency region, low-frequency region, and the like, and thefrequency balance is compared by using an average value of respectivefrequency regions. Further, besides the case where an average decibelvalue of respective frequency regions from the beginning to the last ofthe music as music characteristic amount is detected, only apredetermined time (e.g. for 10 seconds) of the beginning of the musicis sampled and an average decibel value of respective frequency regionsfor 10 seconds is made as music characteristic amount.

Further, a portion so-called “sabi” where the music characteristic ismost expressed is divided into respective frequency regions and musiccharacteristic amount may be an average decibel value every frequencyregion as well.

Further, the method of dividing the frequency region is not limited tothe case of dividing into three frequency regions such as high-frequencyregion, middle-frequency region and low-frequency region, but there isno limitation to the divided frequency region. Further, respectivefrequency regions do not need to have the same frequency band but may bedivided by a different frequency band.

Further, the music characteristic detection clustering unit 1 alsoclusters an average decibel value of respective frequency regions intoseveral decibel intervals.

Further, in a case where a music characteristic amount is a BPM value,the music characteristic amount may be the BPM value of 10 seconds bysampling predetermined time of the beginning of the music (e.g. 10seconds), besides detecting the average BPM value as the musiccharacteristic amount of the respective frequency regions from thebeginning to the end of the music. Further, the music characteristicamount may be an average BPM value of a portion so called “sabi” of themusic.

The music characteristic amount extracted and the music characteristicamount clustered by the music characteristic detection clustering unit 1are outputted to the music characteristic database unit 2. Further, amusic (input signal Si) inputted in the music characteristic detectionclustering unit 1 is inputted in the music database unit 3 incorrespondence with the music characteristic amount.

The music characteristic base unit 2 memorizes the music characteristicamount outputted from the music characteristic detection clustering unit1, in correspondence with the music inputted in the music database unit3.

Further, the music characteristic database unit 2 searches whether ornot a music characteristic amount matching that required by a musiccharacteristic detection unit 6 is memorized in the music characteristicdatabase unit 2 based on the request from the music characteristicdetection unit 6. In a case where a music characteristic amountcorresponding to that based on the request from the music characteristicdetection unit 6 is memorized, the music database unit 3 is requested tooutput the music memorized in the music database unit 3 corresponding tothe music characteristic amount to the music process unit 5.

The music database unit 3 memorizes the music outputted from the musiccharacteristic detection clustering unit 1 in correspondence with themusic characteristic amount inputted in the music characteristicdatabase unit 2. The music characteristic database unit 3 outputs themusic corresponding to the music characteristic amount thus memorized inthe music characteristic database unit 2 in response to the request fromthe music characteristic database unit 2, to the music process unit 5.

Further, the music database unit 3 outputs the music memorized in themusic database unit 3 to the music process unit 5 based on theinstruction of the input unit 4.

The input unit 4 is provided with a switch (not shown) operated by theusers and further with a display unit (not shown) viewable for theusers.

When the users input information specifying the music such as a musicname through the switch of the input unit 4, the input unit 4 inquiresto the music database unit 3 whether or not the specified music exists.In a case where the music information identified by the users exist inthe music database unit 3, the music information is outputted from themusic database unit 3 to the music process unit 5.

Further, the input unit 4 is provided with switches or the like used bythe users for changing music characteristic amount of the music that isreproduced in the music process unit 5 and outputted out of the musicdetection system. These switches may be shared with switches used forspecifying music information.

For example, in a case of changing a BPM value, a BPM class clustered inthe music characteristic detection clustering unit 1 may be designated.Currently, in a case where a BPM class as a music characteristic amountof the music reproduced in the music process unit 5 is BPM class 2, theusers may designate BPM classes 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6 through the switch ofthe input unit 4. Further for example in a case where BPM class 4 isonce designated by the users, the users may designate BPM classes 1, 2,3, 5, and 6 through the switch of the input unit 4 afterward. The inputunit 4 outputs a value corresponding to the BPM class thus designated bythe users, to the music process unit 5.

Further, the users may input instruction information for changingfrequency balance in the input unit 4.

For example, in a case where the users desire to turn up the sound in alow-frequency region, the users designate the low-frequency regionthrough the switch installed in the input unit 4. Subsequently, thesound level of the low-frequency region may be raised in units ofseveral decibels through the switch in the input unit 4. Further, thesound level of the low-frequency region may be raised in clustered units(predetermined decibel value) through the switch in the input unit 4.The input unit 4 outputs to the music process unit 5 the frequencyregion designated by the users and the decibel value to be raised.Further, the users may freely lower the decibel value that has once beenraised and freely raise the decibel value through the switch in theinput unit 4. Further, the users may freely designate the frequencyregion. Such the frequency region indicates the frequency region dividedin the music characteristic detection clustering unit 1.

Accordingly, the users may freely change the music currently reproducedthrough the input unit 4.

In a case where the users judge that the music currently reproducedchanges to the music tune of their taste, when desiring to listen to theother music similar to the music tune, the users may cause the musiccharacteristic database unit 2 to start searching the other musicthrough the switch of the input unit 4. In such case, the input unit 4outputs to the music process unit 5 the instruction order to search theother music similar to the music characteristic of the music currentlyreproduced, from the music database unit 3.

The music characteristic amount and the music characteristic amountchange unit that can be designated in the input unit 4 correspond to themusic characteristic amount and the music characteristic amountclustering value that are extracted, in the music characteristicclustering unit 1.

Next, the music process unit 5 is described.

The music process unit 5 searches the music from the music database unit3 and reproduces thus searched music and outputs it to the outside.Besides, the music process unit 5 functions to change the musiccharacteristic amount of the music and reproduce the music changing themusic characteristic amount and output it to the outside based on theinstruction from the input unit 4.

The music process unit 5 searches the music specified by the instructionfrom the input unit 4, from the music database unit 3, based on theinstruction from the input unit 4. When the search finishes, the musicprocess unit 5 reproduces thus specified music based on the instructionfrom the input unit 4, and further stops and finishes reproduction.

Further, the music characteristic amount of the reproduced music ischanged based on an instruction from the input unit 4.

For example, in a case where a BPM value of the music currentlyreproduced is 110, a BPM class of this music corresponds to the BPMclass 2. In this case, when the music process unit 5 receives an orderfrom the input unit 4 to change the BPM class of the music reproduced inthe music process unit 5 to a BPM class 3, the music process unit 5increases the reproduction speed of the music currently reproduced, toadjust reproduction speed to make the BPM value the BPM class 3.Specifically, the reproduction speed of the music is increased from BPMvalue 110 up to the BPM value of about 130 that is included in the BPMclass 3. Then the music process unit 5 reproduces the music with thechanged BPM value of 130 and outputs outside.

Further, in a case where the BPM value of the music currently reproducedis 110, when the music process unit 5 receives an order from the inputunit 4 to change the BPM class of the reproduced music to the BPM class1, the music process unit 5 decreases the reproduction speed of themusic currently reproduced, to adjust the reproduction speed to make theBPM value the BPM class 1. Specifically, the reproduction speed of themusic is decreased from BPM value 110 up to the BPM value of about 90that is included in the BPM class 1. Then the music process unit 5reproduces the music with the changed BPM value of 90 and outputsoutside.

Further, when receiving an instruction order from the input unit 4 tosearch the other music of the same BPM class as the BPM class of themusic currently reproduced, the music process unit 5 outputs aninstruction order to detect the music characteristic amount of the musiccurrently reproduced to the music characteristic detection unit 6. Thenthe music process unit 5 outputs a search instruction order to the musiccharacteristic database unit 2 to search the music having the musiccharacteristic amount belonging to the same cluster as that of the musiccharacteristic amount thus detected in the music characteristicdetection unit 6.

Further, for example, when receiving an instruction from the input unit4 to increase an average decibel value in the low-frequency region ofthe music currently reproduced by 3dB, the music process unit 5increases the amplification degree of the music currently reproduced toincrease the amount corresponding to 3dB as the decibel value.

Further, when receiving an instruction from the input unit 4 to decreasean average decibel value in the low-frequency region of the musiccurrently reproduced by 3dB, the music process unit 5 decreases theamplification degree of the music currently reproduced to decrease theamount corresponding to 3dB as the decibel value.

Further, in a case where the frequency region is in the middle-frequencyregion or high-frequency region, the music process unit 5 increases ordecreased the amplification degree of the amplifier to increase ordecrease decibel values of the respective frequency regions in responseto respective frequency regions. Such the operations are similar tothose of a so-called equalizer.

Further, when receiving an instruction order from the input unit 4 tosearch the music having the same music characteristic amount as that ofthe music currently reproduced, the music process unit 5 outputs aninstruction order to detect the music characteristic amount of the musiccurrently reproduced to the music characteristic detection unit 6. Thenthe music characteristic detection unit 6 outputs a search instructionorder to the music characteristic database unit 2 to search the musichaving the music characteristic amount belonging to the same cluster asthat of the detected music characteristic amount.

Next the music characteristic detection unit 6 is described.

The music characteristic detection unit 6 detects the musiccharacteristic amount of the music reproduced in the music process unit5 through the music process unit 5 based on an instruction of the inputunit 4.

The users can instruct which part of the music to be searched the musiccharacteristic amount of the music reproduced in the music process unit5 corresponds to. For example, when the music reproduced in the musicprocess unit 5 belongs to the BPM class 2, the users can instruct theinput unit 4 to search the other music having the BPM value, for thepredetermined period (about 10 seconds) from start of the other music,corresponds to the BPM class 2. Further, the users can instruct theinput unit 4 to search the other music having the BPM value during aportion of so-called “sabi” of the other music, corresponds to the BPMclass 2. Further, the users can instruct to search the other musichaving an overall music average BPM value of the other music correspondsto the BPM class 2.

Further, for example, the users can instruct to search the music existswithin a range where average signal strength (decibel value)respectively in low-frequency region, middle-frequency region andhigh-frequency region of the music reproduced in the music process unit5 is predetermined (within a clustered range). Specifically, the musiccharacteristic database unit 2 extracts from the music database unit 3the music having frequency distribution (spectrum balance) correspondingto the strength (decibel value) range of the low-frequency region of themusic currently reproduced, the strength (decibel value) range of themiddle-frequency region of the music currently reproduced, or thestrength (decibel value) range of the high-frequency region of the musiccurrently reproduced. The users can instruct the input unit 4 to searchthe other music existing within a range where the average signalstrength in respective frequency regions for the predetermined period(about 10 seconds) from the start of the other music is predetermined.

Further, the users can instruct the input unit 4 to search the othermusic within the level region where the average signal strength inrespective frequency regions for the period of a portion of theso-called “sabi” of the other music is predetermined. Further, the userscan instruct to search the other music within the region where theaverage signal strength in respective frequency regions in the entiremusic of the other music is predetermined.

Accordingly, the users can judge only by their ears whether or not themusic is the one they want to listen to because the users can processthe current music and search the music that is suitable for their taste.That means it is possible to research and select the music tune thatcannot be expressed by words. Further, it is possible to feel pleasantwithout feeling trouble with music selection because the users canalways confirm their own taste while listening to the music.

Next, an operation according to the first embodiment is described basedon a flowchart shown in FIG. 2.

In Step S1, the users select the music they desire to listen to throughthe input unit 4. Then the music designated by the users is extractedfrom the music database unit 3 to the music process unit 5, and themusic designated by the users is reproduced by the music process unit 5.The users listen to the music designated by the user from loudspeakerssuch as a headphone and a speaker that are connected to the musicprocess unit 5. Next the process goes to Step S2.

In Step S2, in a case where the BPM value of the music designated by theusers is 150 and the users desirer slower music (tempo), the usersdesignate the BPM value as 130 through the input unit 4. Then the musicprocess unit 5 processes the BPM value of the music currently reproducedinto 130 and reproduces the music with the BPM value thus processed into130. The users may further change a tempo of the music thus reproduced.Further, in a case where the users appreciate the tempo of the musiccurrently reproduced and desire to listen to the other musiccorresponding to the tempo of the music currently reproduced, the usersgo to Step S3.

In Step S3, the music characteristic detection unit 6 analyzes the musiccharacteristic amount of the music reproduced in the music process unit5. In this case, the music characteristic detection unit 6 analyzes anumber of the BPM value of the music reproduced in the music processunit 5. Thus, the music characteristic detection unit 6 recognizes thatthe BPM value of the reproduced music is 130. Next the process goes toStep S4.

In Step S4, the music characteristic database unit 2 searches the musicwith the BPM value of 130 based on the instruction from the musiccharacteristic detection unit 6. In this case, only music pieces wherethe BPM value does not necessarily match 130 are memorized in the musiccharacteristic database unit 2 in some cases. In such cases, the musicexisting in the BPM class 3 is searched.

Further, as described before, the users may limit the BPM value enabledto be instructed from the input unit 4 in BPM classes. Next the users goto Step S5.

In Step S5, the music characteristic database unit 2 selects the musiccorresponding to the music with BPM value of 130 thus memorized in themusic characteristic database unit 2, from the music database unit 3. Inthe music characteristic detection clustering unit 1, the users maysearch and select the music corresponding to thus searched musiccharacteristic amount, from the music database unit 3, based on therelation information between the music characteristic amount and themusic that are previously correlated. Next the users go to Step S6.

In Step S6, the music process unit 5 reproduces thus selected music.Further in a case where plural pieces of the music corresponding to thesearched music characteristic amount exist in the music characteristicextraction unit 2, the users may select the next music through the inputunit 4 and reproduce the next music in the music process unit 5.

Next, an operation according to Embodiment 2 is described based on aflowchart shown in FIG. 3.

In Step S7, the users select the music they desire to listen to throughthe input unit 4. Then the music designated by the users is extractedfrom the music database unit 3 into the music process unit 5, and themusic designated by the users is reproduced by the music process unit 5.The users listen to the music they designate from loudspeakers such as aheadphone and a speaker connected to the music process unit 5. Next, theprocess goes to Step S8.

In Step S8, in a case where the users desire to increase a level oflow-frequency region of the music currently reproduced, the usersinstruct to increase the level of the low-frequency region bypredetermined unit (e.g. 3dB unit or a clustered unit) through the inputunit 4. Then, the music process unit 5 increases the amplificationdegree of the low-frequency region (operating equalizing) to increasethe low-frequency region level of the music currently reproduced, byamount based on the instruction from the input unit 4. The users mayfurther change a spectrum balance of the reproduced music. Further, in acase where the users appreciate the spectrum balance of the musiccurrently reproduced and desire to listen to the other musiccorresponding to the spectrum balance of the music currently reproduced,the users then go to Step S9.

In Step S9, the music characteristic detection unit 6 analyzes the musiccharacteristic amount of the music reproduced in the music process unit5. In this case, the music characteristic detection unit 6 analyzes thenumber of the average dB value in the low-frequency region of the musicreproduced in the music process unit 5. Thus, the music characteristicdetection unit 6 recognizes the number of the decibel value in thelow-frequency region of the reproduced music. Further, with respect tothe other frequency region, the music characteristic detection unit 6analyzes the average dB value of the decibel (dB) value expressing thesound amount of the respective frequency regions. Next, the process goesto Step S10.

In Step S10, the music characteristic database unit 2 searches the musicthat matches the spectrum balance analyzed by the music characteristicextraction unit 6 in Step S9, based on the instruction of the musiccharacteristic detection unit 6. Here, the spectrum balance matching thespectrum balance analyzed in Step S9 is not necessarily memorized in themusic characteristic database unit 2 in some cases. In such the case,the matching spectrum balance in the level region classified byfrequency region (expressing a range of predetermined decibel value) issearched.

In Step S11, the music characteristic database unit 2 selects the musicwith spectrum balance corresponding to the music analyzed in the musiccharacteristic detection unit 6 in Step S9, from the music database unit3. In the music characteristic detection clustering unit 1, the usersmay search and select the music corresponding to thus searched musiccharacteristic amount, from the music database unit 3, based on therelation information between the related music characteristic amount andthe music. The users go to Step S12.

In Step S12, the music process unit 5 reproduces thus selected music.Further, in a case where plural pieces of the music corresponding to themusic characteristic amount thus searched in the music characteristicdatabase unit 2 exist in the music database unit 3, the users may selectthe next music through the input unit 4 and reproduce the next music inthe music process unit 5.

According to the present embodiment, the users are enabled to processthe current music by users themselves and automatically search the othermusic suitable for their taste while confirming the process degree bytheir ears.

Therefore, the users are enabled to actively search the well-connectedmusic that is suitable for the current sense of the users based on theresult that the users actively process (adjust) the music.

Further, the users are enabled to consequently reproduce the music theydesire to listen to because well-connected music is the music thatstandardizes modulation parameters selected by the users and auditoryconnection for the users are created in the previous or next music.

According to the present embodiment, the users are enabled to receive asense of connecting music pieces as a service because the other music isautomatically searched based on the music the users actively adjust.

According to the present embodiment, the users are enabled to judge onlyby ear whether or not it is the music the users desire to listen tobecause the users are enabled to process the current music and searchthe music suitable for the their taste. In other words, the users areenabled to research and select the music tune that cannot be expressedby words. Further, the users are enabled to feel pleasant withoutfeeling trouble with selection work because the users always confirmtheir taste while listening to the music.

Further, a display screen becomes unnecessary because it is possible tosearch the music only by counting on the ear. Accordingly, the usersoperate a switch at hand without watching the display screen in crowdedvehicles such as trains and buses, and listens to and confirms the musicprocessed and reproduced based on thus operated switch. Therefore, theusers can enjoy to listen to the music they process into their favoritemusic tune. Further, the users are enabled to easily search the othermusic suitable for their favorite music tune only by pushing the switchat hand.

Further in a case where the users cannot remember the specific artistname or album name, nor express the music image by using adjectives suchas pleasant music or sad music, the users are enabled to create andconfirm the music by listening to the music processed by themselves bytheir ears. Further, the users are enabled to search the music suitablefor the image by ear.

In some cases, it is not in a situation that users desire to listen togiven specific music among many recorded music pieces. In some cases,the users desire to listen to “this” sort of music. In other cases, theimage of “this” sort that the users think cannot be expressed only bywords. Therefore, according to the present invention, the musiccurrently reproduced is processed as a method of expressing “this” sortthat the users think as an image. The users process the music to expressthe taste of users themselves and extract the music characteristicsuitable for their taste, and therefore the users are enabled to easilysearch the music suitable for the users themselves.

Although, in the present invention, the BPM value and the spectrumbalance are explained as the music characteristic amount, the musiccharacteristic amount is not limited thereto. For example, sound toneinformation may be used as the music characteristic amount.Specifically, a reverberation property can be specified as the musiccharacteristic amount. Further, it may be a criterion of whether or notthe music has a tone of piano as a music characteristic amount.

Further, programs corresponding to the flowcharts in FIGS. 2 and 3 arepreviously recorded in an information recording medium or previouslyrecorded through network such as internet and the like, and these areread out by a general-purpose microcomputer or the like and carried out.Then it is possible to cause the general-purpose microcomputer or thelike to function as a CPU related to the embodiments.

1. A music search system, comprising: a memory device that relates musicto a characteristic of the music and memorizes the music and thecharacteristics; a reproduction device that reproduces the music; aprocess device that processes the characteristic of the music thusreproduced by the reproduction means based on an instruction of amanipulation input; a characteristic detection device that detects thecharacteristic of the music thus processed; and a search device thatsearches the music thus memorized by the memory means based on thecharacteristic of the music thus detected.
 2. The music search systemaccording to claim 1, wherein the reproduction device reproduces themusic thus searched by the search device following the music thusreproduced.
 3. The music search system according to claim 1, wherein thecharacteristic of the music thus memorized by the memory device isdivided by at least not less than two ranges predetermined by a type ofthe music characteristic.
 4. The music search system according to claim1, wherein the characteristic of the music includes at least one of anaverage value for an overall period of the music, an average value for aperiod of predetermined time from start of the music, and an averagevalue of a characteristic portion of the music.
 5. The music searchsystem according to claim 1, wherein the characteristic of the musicincludes at least beats per unit time or frequency balance.
 6. A musicsearch method, comprising: a memory step of relating music to acharacteristic of the music and memorizing the music and thecharacteristics; a reproduction step of reproducing the music; a processstep of processing the characteristic of the music thus reproduced inthe reproduction step based on an instruction by manipulation input; acharacteristic detection step of detecting the characteristic of themusic thus processed; and a search step of searching the music thusmemorized in the memory step based on the characteristic of the musicthus detected.
 7. A music search program causing a computer included ina music search system to function as: a memory device that relates musicto a characteristic of the music and memorizing the music and thecharacteristics; a reproduction device that reproduces the music; aprocess device that processes the characteristic of the music thusreproduced by the reproduction means based on an instruction by amanipulation input; a characteristic detection device that detects thecharacteristic of the music thus processed; and a search device thatsearches the music thus memorized by the memory means based on thecharacteristic of the music thus detected.
 8. (canceled)
 9. A musicsearch computer program embodied in a computer-readable medium andrepresenting a sequence of instructions, which when executed by acomputer, the instructions cause the computer to function as: a memorymeans for relating music to a characteristic of the music and memorizingthe music and the characteristics; a reproduction means for reproducingthe music; a process means for processing the characteristic of themusic thus reproduced by the reproduction means based on an instructionby a manipulation input; a characteristic detection means for detectingthe characteristic of the music thus processed; and a search means forsearching the music thus memorized by the memory means based on thecharacteristic of the music thus detected.